Single Mom's Fight for Son

My name is Anmarie. I'm a single mother of a 5 year-old son, Jackson.  I work two jobs (about 60 hours per week) as a Pilates Instructor and Teacher Trainer as well as a Group Fitness instructor and a  Ballet Teacher with Ballet Theatre of Maryland .  Jackson's father, my now ex-husband, was diagnosed with Bipolar 1 Disorder ( depressed with psychotic features) and Borderline Personality Disorder. I suffered a great deal of physical and mental abuse and infidelity during our marriage. I then spent two years mired in a lengthy divorce process but in July of 2011, I was granted a divorce and sole physical and legal custody of Jackson.

It was not easy or safe to wait those two years.  I had two protective orders and an assault charge against him for his erratic and abusive behavior.

My ex-husband's relationship with Jackson has been very inconsistent since then because of his mental instability. He has been in and out of hospitals to help him with his mental health and medication, but he has not been cooperative or consistent with his therapy.  He has also been jailed multiple times since our divorce.

My ex-husband has had suicidal episodes (he twice attempted to kill himself) and has displayed homicidal tendencies as well (he threatened to throw a former girlfriend off a balcony). Two other women were granted protective orders against him. That’s four protective orders, an assault conviction, and a stalking charge in the last six years.   Currently, there is an outstanding arrest warrant for my Ex because he didn’t show up in court to defend a stalking charge in D.C. This means that if he takes my son into D.C. (we live in Maryland), he could be arrested and Jackson will be in the custody of the District because my Ex would not likely tell the police that I am his mother. 

Since our divorce we have been back to court six times for visitation and child support issues. Despite his mental instability, his violent history, and my attempts to fight for my son's safety in court, he has been allowed supervised visitation with Jackson.  His parents are the supervisors.  At the time this seemed like the most reasonable choice but over time but it has become clear that they have issues of their own and enable their son’s behavior out of fear or obligation.

My ex-husband is very driven and now has time on his hands due to the fact that he managed to get himself on federal disability for mental disease, which gives him freedom from financial obligations and the need for employment.  He doesn't have any responsibilities and lives between his parents, a half-way house or with a series of girlfriends. He is very transient and in the past when child support, creditors or the law are looking for him he either moves or admits himself into a mental hospital.

My Ex now wants to take me to court again to gain unsupervised visitation. This is a terrifying prospect. His parents are supporting him in this fight either out of exhaustion or enabling. As has been the case in the past, my Ex will be representing himself in court which does not cost him anything beyond filing fees---no legal fees and no lost time from work because he doesn’t work.  Despite his issues, he is very intelligent and resourceful and has been fairly effective at representing himself in court in the past.  To date, I have spent $60,000. on legal fees to protect my son.  I can not risk this new case not going in my son’s favor. If history is any indication, there will be another episode with my ex and it could be life-threatening for Jackson. I am terrified for my son’s safety and well-being.

Regardless of my ex-husband's medical and criminal history, the court requires me to provide evidence and depositions and discovery. My attorney says it will likely cost another $10,000 to fight this case.  I have had other attorneys who have not represented me well.  The attorney I have been working with recently is the only one who has succeeded in court against my Ex. 

I have depleted my savings on legal fees over the last three years and do not have the financial resources for another fight. My parents are in their 80's and have already spent thousands of dollars to help me get this far. I can't ask them for more. They are in their golden years and I want them to be able to enjoy some of what they have worked for their whole life.

So many of you have offered you emotional support over these difficult years. Now I am reaching out to see if you might support me in this critical fight for my son. I am not exaggerating when I say that his life and safety are at stake.  I need to raise  $10,000 by the end of this campaign. I would be forever grateful for any amount that you can donate to help me protect Jackson.

Thank you for your consideration.
 
Gratefully,
Anmarie